Autism Community Lecture Series

Friendship House, Coalition Offer Autism Community Lecture Series
Beginning March 19

“Autism Today: A Community Lecture Series for Families and Friends,” will be offered free of charge by The Northeast Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Friendship House and the Lackawanna County Autism Coalition, and will be hosted by Mercy Hospital. The series will encompass an array of autism topics including sibling workshops, behavioral strategies for parents and teachers, a forum for grandparents and extended family, and will conclude with a panel of experts discussing current treatments and education trends. Each talk will be held on Wednesday evenings in the Mercy Hospital McGowan Conference Room from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The series is open to the public. Reservations are requested. Interested persons may call Friendship House at 342-8305, ext. 2038.
The series will begin on Wednesday, March 19, with an overview, “An evening of information on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Applied Behavioral Analysis,” presented by Christine Remick, licensed psychologist, certified behavioral analyst, and clinical director of the Northeast Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Friendship House. Mrs. Remick is also a charter member of the PA Autism Task Force which established “Best practices for Autism Spectrum Disorders” in Pennsylvania. Presenting with Mrs. Remick will be Melissa Cottone, assistant clinical director at the Friendship House autism center, a certified behavioral analysis, and mother of a child with autism.
“Sibling Workshop,” an interactive evening for pre-teens and young adolescents with brothers and sister on the autism spectrum, will be presented Wednesday, April 9, by Amy Saunders, senior curriculum specialist at the Friendship House autism center, and candidate for behavioral analyst certification, and Margie Cosgrove, coordinator of autism services for Tri-County Human Services.
"Practical behavioral strategies for ASD individuals in the home and community," will be presented Wednesday, May 14, by Mrs. Remick and Julie Brister, senior curriculum specialist at the Friendship House autism center. This workshop will be helpful to parents, teachers and friends seeking an understanding of basic behavioral principles and how to use them in increasing appropriate behaviors and reducing maladaptive issues in young persons with ASD of all ages.
"An evening for grandparents and extended family," will be presented by Mrs. Remick on Wednesday, May 28. She will provide information on ASD and treatments as well as discuss the role of extended family in supporting the nuclear ASD family.
The series will conclude on Wednesday, June 11 with a panel of experts.
The Northeast Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Friendship House provides advanced early intensive applied behavioral analysis for children and adults up to age 21 and for toddlers as young as 18 months with support services offered in the home, school and community. The Center’s “Respite Care Program,” allows families of children with autism to spend time with spouses and other siblings on afternoons and weekends. Programs are designed with the support of Nina Wall Cote, director, Pennsylvania Bureau of Autism Affairs, and staffed by skilled therapists, many with certification in behavioral analysis.


Marilouise Agnone Ruane, APRManager, Friendship House Community Relations Desk: 570.342.8305, Ext. 2039Pager: 570. 340.8750Fax: 570.341-9736Address: 1509 Maple Street, Scranton, PA. 18505MRuane@FriendshipHousePa.org